Welcome to the third installment of our series covering the most common complaints on the internet about horse barns, stalls, and other associated hardware. This might seem like something you could cover in one post, but there are so many complaints about each topic that we felt each needed a good look.
That said, let’s take a look at the most common door-related gripes found on Reddit, Chronicle of the Horse, and beyond—and how J&E Grill Manufacturing designs doors that work with you, not against you.
1. “My horse figured out how to open the Dutch door. Again.”
The complaint:
A smart horse plus a weak latch equals a loose horse and a panicked owner. It’s a tale as old as turnout (time).
“My mare opened the top and the bottom. She walked herself right into the yard.” – Chronicle of the Horse Forums
How J&E solves it:
Our Dutch doors are built for security. Each one comes with heavy-duty latching hardware, reinforced framing, and precise fitment to prevent shifting or sagging that could loosen the latch over time. Beyond that, the latches are designed and installed in places to discourage and prevent even the smartest horse from being able to open the latch themselves.
2. “The sliding doors are constantly sticking.”
The complaint:
Dust, hay, and mud build up in track systems, especially on doors that use cheaper components. That “smooth glide” becomes a full-body pull.
“If I had a dollar for every time the barn door jammed, I could buy a better one.” – r/Equestrian
How J&E solves it:
Our round track sliding door systems are designed with clearance and durability in mind. The tracks and trolleys are resistant to buildup by nature because the doors are suspended from above, which means smoother operation with less effort—even years down the line.
We also offer stainless or galvanized hardware options for barns in damp or coastal areas.
3. “Swinging stall doors eat up too much space.”
The complaint:
Stalls with swinging doors can block aisles, create safety hazards, or just feel like a constant obstacle. If your barn has narrower aisleways, something we discussed in the “barn design complaints” article, this can be a huge point of frustration.
“We didn’t realize how annoying it would be to open and close that many swing doors in a row.” – r/Horses
How J&E solves it:
Don’t get us wrong, our swinging stall doors are fantastic, but our sliding stall doors are designed to maximize space and minimize hassle. Though we have stock sizes for every door and window, we can custom-build each unit to fit your stall fronts, and they ride on quiet, low-maintenance track hardware that lasts, and keeps the door secure and out of the way.
It’s the ideal choice for tighter aisleways or busier barns where space is at a premium.
4. “The door warped after one winter.”
The complaint:
Cheap materials can’t hold up to seasonal changes—especially in barns with big temperature swings or exposure to the elements. Every door material comes with tradeoffs. Wood rots if not cared for properly. Steel will rust over time and rot out if not kept clean and fully painted. Both materials are also heavy, making them more difficult to operate when something is wrong.
“We had to replace all the exterior doors after just two years. Total waste.” – Chronicle of the Horse
How J&E solves it:
We build doors to last. Every J&E barn or stall door is constructed from heavy-duty tubular aluminum, or use aluminum components, and are finished with a tough powder coat to resist warping, rust, and UV damage.
Unlike wood, our doors won’t swell, crack, or twist. Unlike steel, our doors won’t rust, and are far lighter keeping them easy to operate. Season after season, our doors will pass the test.
5. “Our current doors just look… cheap.”
The complaint:
Let’s be honest: aesthetics matter. Especially if you’re running a training facility or hosting clients, your barn doors say a lot.
“I regret not investing in better doors. They make the whole barn look unfinished.” – r/Equestrian
How J&E solves it:
Whether it’s a classic black powder coat or a custom color or finish, our doors are designed to complement your barn’s style as much as its function. Want glass panels? Vertical bars? Custom sizing? A powder coat that looks like wood grain? You got it.
These aren’t cookie-cutter doors—they’re built to your vision, with the strength to back it up. Designed and planned properly, these doors do more than just stand the test of time—they bring light and ventilation options that may not have been available on your old doors.
You Don’t Have to Settle for “Good Enough”
When the doors work, you don’t think about them. When they don’t, it’s all you can think about.
At J&E Grill Manufacturing, we specialize in stall, barn, Dutch, and loft doors that are built to solve problems before they start.
If you’re one of those people who have been complaining on Reddit about being tired of struggling with bent latches, frozen tracks, or doors that just feel wrong it may be time to talk with J&E.
Take a look at our image galleries and explore our lineup of custom barn and stall doors—and build something that works better from day one. Once you know what you’re after, contact us for a quote.